Comprehensive, year-long initiative reinforces industry growth through education
FRAMINGHAM, MA, March 2, 2026 – The Travel Institute and Princess Cruises announce a new, year-long strategic alliance designed to elevate the professional development of travel advisors through a multi-dimensional approach to professional education, engagement, and recognition tools to drive long-term business success.
“Princess Cruises is an iconic travel brand and our exciting new collaboration demonstrates our shared vision for advisor professionalism that leads to greater industry success. We are grateful to see our joint commitment come to life,” enthused Guida Botelho, CTIE, vice president for The Travel Institute.
The collaboration between Princess Cruises and The Travel Institute focuses on specific initiatives that support professional development and advisor success. Key highlights include:
- Curriculum: Collaboration on content for The Travel Institute’s new Alaska Destination Specialist Course, set to launch in Q2 2026 and aligning with the debut of Star Princess, which offers Alaska sailing.
Advisor Professionalism:
- Scholarships: Princess funding of scholarships for TRIPKIT and The Travel Institute’s 3-tier advanced certification program, including CTA, CTC, and CTIE.
- Industry Introduction for New Agents: Princess sponsorship of The Travel Institute’s New to the Travel Industry webinars, which introduces potential new talent to the industry and offers practical insights and actionable advice on the skills and knowledge necessary for success.
Certified Alumni Recognition and Incentives:
- Continuing Education: Certified graduates who complete the Princess Commodore Program earn ten continuing education units, or CEUs, as required, toward maintaining active certified status.
- Certified Alumni Recognition: Princess is recognizing The Travel Institute’s certified alumni through a special opt-in booking incentive for CTA, CTC, and CTIE graduates, celebrating professionalism and a continued commitment to learning.
Princess is also leveraging its network to support The Travel Institute’s initiatives with advisors and to advocate for the value of travel professionals within and beyond the travel industry.
“Travel advisors are the lifeblood of our industry. By investing in their education, we’re investing in the long-term success of the entire travel community,” remarked Carmen Roig, senior vice president, sales and trade marketing for Princess Cruises. “Our expanded commitment with The Travel Institute demonstrates our confidence in their mission to elevate advisor professionalism and uphold the highest educational standards across the industry.”
Botelho emphasized the critical role of all industry leaders and organizations in enabling The Travel Institute’s non-profit mission to deliver industry-leading education. “The quality education we deliver does not happen in a vacuum. It takes committed partners who believe in developing professionals to strengthen careers and elevate our industry,” she asserted. “We’re excited to see so many industry leaders stepping forward to invest in meaningful education as a driver of long-term success.”
Learn more at The Travel Institute and Princess Cruises.
ABOUT THE TRAVEL INSTITUTE
A collaborative industry effort created in 1964, The Travel Institute has continuously evolved to maintain its role as the global leader and industry’s recognized gold standard in travel industry education and certification. Dedicated solely to advancing the professionalism of both agents and industry leaders in support of individual and industry success, The Travel Institute is a 501(c)(3) non-profit, independent organization operating exclusively for educational purposes to meet the ever-changing needs of travel agents. Working with leaders throughout the industry to create and deliver relevant and rigorous coursework and proctored, closed-book testing to ensure graduates demonstrate the highest standards of expertise and service, The Travel Institute has more than 31,000 Certified Travel Associate, CTA©; Certified Travel Counselor, CTC©; and Certified Travel Industry Executive, CTIE© graduates. It also administers the Travel Agent Proficiency, or TAP©, test to confirm students new to the industry demonstrate a mastery of travel industry basics. Countless individuals, agency owners and managers, and educational institutions utilize The Travel Institute’s award-winning TRIPKITSM introductory program and CTA© as their learning tools of choice. A trusted partner to industry suppliers and educational institutions, The Travel Institute is also the approved provider of travel industry civilian occupation training for U.S. military and has trained hundreds of thousands through various courses, webinars, and other online content through its Education Hub. Throughout North America, many successful agents and high-profile leaders credit their success to The Travel Institute’s affordable and accessible educational resources. Learn more.
ABOUT PRINCESS CRUISES
Princess Cruises is The Love Boat, the world’s most iconic cruise brand that delivers dream vacations to millions of guests every year in the most sought-after destinations on the largest ships that offer elite service personalization and simplicity customary of small, yacht-class ships. Well-appointed staterooms, world class dining, grand performances, award-winning casinos and entertainment, luxurious spas, imaginative experiences and boundless activities blend with exclusive Princess MedallionClass service to create meaningful connections and unforgettable moments in the most incredible settings in the world – the Caribbean, Alaska, Panama Canal, Mexican Riviera, Europe, South America, Australia/New Zealand, the South Pacific, Hawaii, Asia, Canada/New England, Antarctica, and World Cruises. Star Princess, the brand’s newest and most innovative ship, launched October 2025, and sister ship to Sun Princess, named Condé Nast Traveler Mega Ship of the Year for a second consecutive year. The company is part of Carnival Corporation & plc (NYSE/LSE:CCL; NYSE:CUK).